5 November 2004 – Teotihuacán (MEX): Wal-Mart has opened its new store just a mile away from ancient Aztec pyramids in Teotihuacán, Mexico, amid ongoing protests from local residents.
One of the leading campaigners Homero Aridjis said: "It’s like planting the staff of globalisation in the heart of ancient Mexico. It is supremely symbolic."
But Wal-Mart claimed the store represented an investment in the community that would improve the quality of life for local residents. "They should take a long term view," said Raul Arguello, VP of corporate affairs at Wal-Mart. "If they really care about Teotihuacán they should respect the majority and not create more division."
